CITRIC ACID
Prepared at the 53rd JECFA (1999) and published in FNP 52 Add 7 (1999), superseding specifications prepared at the 51st JECFA (1998), published in FNP 52 Add 6 (1998). Group ADI "Not limited" for citric acid and its calcium,potassium, sodium and ammonium salts established at the 17th JECFA in 1973.
SYNONYMS INS No. 330
DEFINITION Citric acid may be produced by recovery from sources such as lemon or pineapple juice or fermentation of carbohydrate solutions or other suitable media using Candida spp. or non-toxicogenic strains of Aspergillus niger
Chemical names 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid
C.A.S. number 77-92-9 (anhydrous) 5949-29-1 (monohydrate)
Chemical formula C6 H8 O7 (anhydrous) C6 H8 O7 · H2 O (monohydrate)
Formula weight 192.13 (anhydrous) 210.14 (monohydrate)
Assay Not less than 99.5% and not more than 100.5% on the anhydrous basis
DESCRIPTION White or colourless, odourless, crystalline solid; the monohydrate form effloresces in dry air
FUNCTIONAL USES Acidulant; sequestrant; antioxidant synergist; flavouring agent (see "Flavouring agents" monograph)
